Semi-Auto Carry Pistol?

[mmcnx2]

I won't offer a recommnedation but I will offer the following suggests:

1st pick a style of handgun, revolver or semi auto - sounds like you've done that already
2nd pick a frame style, 1911, 2011, polymer, highpower, ect - best way to do that is to shoot a few of each and see what your preference and ability is with each. You can rent at many of the local ranges but honestly a call out here will normally get you someone willing to let you try whatever they have.
3rd narrow your selections by features (barrel lenght, safety options, capacity, light rail, holster options, ect.) you desire and your budget - keeping in mind being financially conservative is fine, go the cheapest route on the other hand might not be in your best interest. Again try some with various mixes of the features on your list. Barrel lenght/caliber combinations as an example can drastically change the impression you get.
4th go shopping and look at both new and used, some of the used stuff holds its value so well that for a few bucks more you can have new, if you buy used look over your choice well if if you're not qualified to do it find someone to to do even if it mean paying a smith a few bucks.

The short answer is no one should tell you what to get(although we all might tell you what you should consider, be it a 1911 or a glock), you really need to weigh the factors yourself and then try them. Only you can know whats right for you.

[Veldy]

.... but let's exclude Kimber for now, as I believe them to be overpriced compared to about equal capability competition; certainly the name is included in the price.

Quality Counts and Quality costs...

I am not knocking a Kimber. I am just saying that you are paying some just for the name.

[Veldy]

Veldy-

As others have said, try several guns before buying. I did pick up that you are partial to Glocks. Although you may find something that you like better, you have established some preference. Look hard at the G19 and G26.

Do not buy a .40S&W without some trigger time first. The recoil isn't an average between the 9x19 and .45acp. It is different altogether. Some like it, others don't.

Partial ... sort of I guess. I like shooting the S&W 1911 PD better and it is a single stack, so if I carried a 1911, it might be that thing. But, I am very comfortable with Glocks; in particular the 21SF and 17, so I will take your advice and try out a .40 Glock 27 or another in that caliber. I might give the XD version a try as well, but I think I will stick to the tried and true. What would be nice is to shoot practice rounds as cast lead and carry rounds of jacketed bullets. That is what makes me consider guns other than Glocks (I don't believe in buying a gun just to replace the barrel immediately).

[mmcnx2]

I have a Glock 27, and EMP in 9mm and Government 1911 in 45 that will be with me at In-range at about noon. Show up and you're welcome to give them a try.

[Veldy]

I have a Glock 27, and EMP in 9mm and Government 1911 in 45 that will be with me at In-range at about noon. Show up and you're welcome to give them a try.

Thanks for the offer. Obviously, I didn't see it until now. In any event, I had to work this morning [VPN] and I won't be making it to the range until tomorrow [if my Wife doesn't change my plans].

Next time that I plan to go, I will send you and IM and see if we might have similar plans [but don't go out of your way ... I have five free rentals yet ].

[David]

Do not buy a .40S&W without some trigger time first. The recoil isn't an average between the 9x19 and .45acp. It is different altogether. Some like it, others don't.

I've found this to be the case as well. My pistol-of-choice for many years was a .40 G22. When I happened to pick up a .45 G21 I found the recoil to be MUCH more pleasant and controllable. Like Joe said, it's not just the amount of recoil, it's the type. .40 is a sharp, jerky recoil, while .45 is a smoother sort of heavy "push," at least that's the way it feels to me. I'd trade most of my .40s for 9s or .45s at this point.

[ttousi]

Like Joe said, it's not just the amount of recoil, it's the type. .40 is a sharp, jerky recoil, while .45 is a smoother sort of heavy "push," at least that's the way it feels to me.

I would agree with the description of the recoils. Sharp and push being the key words.

[JoeH]

Like Joe said, it's not just the amount of recoil, it's the type. .40 is a sharp, jerky recoil, while .45 is a smoother sort of heavy "push," at least that's the way it feels to me.

I would agree with the description of the recoils. Sharp and push being the key words.

Yep, a very high pressure round verses a very low pressure round, two opposite ends of the pistol caliber spectrum.

[Veldy]

Like Joe said, it's not just the amount of recoil, it's the type. .40 is a sharp, jerky recoil, while .45 is a smoother sort of heavy "push," at least that's the way it feels to me.

I would agree with the description of the recoils. Sharp and push being the key words.

Yep, a very high pressure round verses a very low pressure round, two opposite ends of the pistol caliber spectrum.

9mm is often described as snappy or sharp. I guess a 40 is closer to a 9mm than a 45 in that respect; which makes sense since they are essentially shooting on the same platform. I think a 40 must just be a more intense version of a 9mm.

I haven't really decided what to do yet. I know there are a LOT of 40 cal cases on the floor at Bill's, second only to 9mm I think. I like the feel of both the 9mm and the 45, with a preference of shooting the 45. I look forward to trying a 40 out to see how it feels; it certainly is a popular cartridge and presumably for a reason.

[Rem700]

My guess is your preference for shooting will remain with the 45 at the top followed by the 9 with the 40 at the bottom, As to what caliber you choose to carry thats a whole nother matter.

[Veldy]

My guess is your preference for shooting will remain with the 45 at the top followed by the 9 with the 40 at the bottom, As to what caliber you choose to carry thats a whole nother matter.

I even wondered about an externally hammerless 357 revolver (double action of course) with a 3"-4" barrel. But decided against it due to how hard it is to reload after 5 or 6 rounds (hopefully, if ever had to use it, I wouldn't need to reload, but then, if one lived on hope, one wouldn't consider a carry weapon either I threw that particular revolver idea out [for now].

[David]

I think a lot of people go with a .40 because it's trendy. Don't take that the wrong way; there are some really solid reasons to go with a .40; but a lot of newbies get it because they hear things in gun stores or on the Internet about "stopping power." The .40 has even been immortalized in song lyrics. Popular culture favors the .40 as the latest, greatest thing. I definitely subscribed to that for a lot of years, but more recently found that I could shoot .45 much faster. I'd go with a 9, but then I wouldn't be shooting Major.

[Veldy]

I think a lot of people go with a .40 because it's trendy. Don't take that the wrong way; there are some really solid reasons to go with a .40; but a lot of newbies get it because they hear things in gun stores or on the Internet about "stopping power." The .40 has even been immortalized in song lyrics. Popular culture favors the .40 as the latest, greatest thing. I definitely subscribed to that for a lot of years, but more recently found that I could shoot .45 much faster. I'd go with a 9, but then I wouldn't be shooting Major.

I already own Glock 9mm and 45ACP (17 and 21SF respectively) and as a previous post pointed out, I can use existing magazines with carry size Glocks (at least, as backup magazine). Are there any single stack Glocks in 45ACP? My initial thought has been a 9mm, perhaps the Glock 19, but I need to take a few for a test run. Not to mention actually getting the permit.

[David]

Are there any single stack Glocks in 45ACP? My initial thought has been a 9mm, perhaps the Glock 19, but I need to take a few for a test run. Not to mention actually getting the permit.

Nope. The smallest .45 Glock has a double stack. My carry gun is a G26, which is ridiculously small but still holds 10 rounds of 9mm. The grip is thicker than a lot of single-stack guns, but I find that it conceals very nicely anyway (and you'll be able to use your G17 mags with it, as you pointed out). A G19 would be an excellent choice as well, especially if you have bigger hands. A commander-sized 1911 would be even more concealable, so if you don't mind the small magazine capacity and are able to grip it properly, that might be something to look at, too. Finally, a lot of people carry the SIG239, which is a single-stack 9mm in a fairly small package. Excellent gun, but more expensive by maybe $150.

I used to carry a SIG230, which has to be one of the most concealable guns out there, but the .380 caliber scares most people off as being a bit wimpy.

[WastingAmmo]

In my quest to find a carry pistol, i found that the thickness was more of an issue than I realized.. It felt really bulky with Glocks for me.
I ended up with a compact 1911 (yes a Kimber, but knowing a gun will perform the way I expect every time was worth a little extra for me)

The 1911 frame is as thin as anything out there. I went with the Aegis 9mm. but also out there is the Springfield EMP. Both give you a very [VERY!] concealable platform with a very fun and less expensive 9mm cartridge.

Both have short grips, and a 3" barrel, but i can shoot it as well as my full size 1911.... and while the grips are short, the grip is surprisingly positive in my medium large hands (240lbs 6')

After trying several In waste band holsters(IWB) i found that the Tuckable style with kydex clips in the style of Milt sparks "watch six" was the best for me.(mine is actually from TT gun leather. it spreads out the weight of the pistol, while giving a good contour with less bulge. I really like the Tuckable option, as i can know that even if my over shirt gets lifted up, my under shirt will still be in place over the gun. Most people i hang with at work and such are not exactly "gun" people, and i like knowing that it wont be sticking out of my waist when i'm in a desk chair or bending over.







sorry you had to look at my belly...